Chapter Ten

The sound of the blow-dryer muffled Michael’s words when he left the bathroom. Had they ended with something like “love you” or “loved this?” Both rang true, but Paige would not admit that to herself. She stepped from the bathroom, her hair feeling fluffy, returning to its normal fullness. She expected to sink into the bed with him or at least cuddle.

She did not expect what she saw. Groundhog Man grousing, wearing jeans and pulling on a sweater, mumbling about computer failure preventing reports and re-doing something.

“Sorry, Paige. Any chance you can run downstairs and get me a coffee? Looks like a not-so-pleasant birthday surprise.”

She didn’t object to his having to complete the work late at night. She had been driven like that before and quickly stepped into sidekick mode, something Davis never did for her nor did she ever need to for him. She found a blouse in the bag she’d confiscated from her car but unfortunately, no pants. She reached into his luggage, stole his sweat pants, and rolled up the bottoms.

After a quick trip downstairs, she returned, holding out a large coffee cup. “It might not be too hot. I put milk in it. Hope that’s okay.”

He said his thanks and gave her the briefest non-inviting smile before returning to the keyboard and swilling the coffee. Though she had already slipped into the velvet chair, he mumbled toward where she previously stood, never taking his eyes from the screen. “Looks like I can’t take off all of tomorrow as I’d hoped. Maybe part of it. I need to get this out to circumvent a two-week delay for the team.”

“Uh huh. At least you got a shower in. Besides, afterglow’s not what it’s cracked up to be these days, right?” she teased.

“Right…right, right. Can’t believe this crap happened,” he said, clicking away, headphones on. Then he swore and his fingers flew. The reflected light from his computer screen showed a mix of frustration and angst on his face. She knew that look. Not from Davis, who was anything but hardworking. She knew that look from her father. It was definitely one that said, “leave me alone.” So, she did.

Paige tucked her cold feet under her on the chair and pulled out her cell phone, which she had silenced during dinner. More messages and texts. Didn’t they know she was in hiding? She deleted texts from Davis readily and answered others. She gave reassurances to a few worried girlfriends, assuring them she would call after settling in on her family project with her aunt. She felt a twinge of guilt at avoiding long explanations, but it felt so comforting to hide away with her Groundhog Man.

Her man? She shook that thought away or at least shoved it aside when she put her phone to her ear to hear her last voice message.

“Hey Sis, Davis Greer called looking for you. Sorry about losing your job and some special vacation. For what it’s worth, Davis is a nice guy, but a bit young if you know what I mean. So, uh, call if you need something. Otherwise, find a spot and job before Dad makes his little girl move back home. And no, not ratting you out to Dad or Davis. That’s your job, Paiging Amelia Squealia. Haaa haa. Love ya, Sis.

“Love you too, bro,” she whispered to her phone, silencing it and putting it aside.

Her cold toes stole her attention. She tiptoed to Michael’s suitcase and found his last pair of socks. She thought trade-sies were in order. She wrote out a note, signed it, and slipped it deep into his luggage. In doing so, her hand hit on a bottle of wine with a screw top that looked like a racing gearshift.

With a soft chuckle, she pulled it from his luggage. He had his work plans. She would have her own plans for the rest of the night—warm toes, TV, and a sip of red. She settled in, watching the last of a movie, toes wiggling, sipping wine.

At midnight, the clock radio popped back to life, the announcer’s voice overpowering the TV. “Almost midnight. Last time for this song today…”

Paige turned off the television and stood more shakily than intended. She gave in to the replaying of I Got You, Babe, softly singing and dancing along with it. She smiled and looked at Groundhog Man, her voice rising in song. She told herself not to divert his attention. He had to get on with work.

Then it all hit her at once. It’s over tomorrow. This magical storm-induced mini-heaven tucked away in a bed and breakfast is over tomorrow. Her face went slack.

She hadn’t realized Michael was watching her, but he must have read something in her expression. He pulled off his headphones and joined her in the song.

Taking her free hand, Groundhog Man sang, “Then put your little hand in mine.”

Her smile returned at his silliness, and she reached for the wine. She sang further lines of the next verse into the bottle like a microphone.

They took turns with the next phrase of the song. Her Groundhog sang the last bit in what must have been his real voice, ending with a whispered word, “Babe.”

The announcer’s voice came on, “Well that’s it folks. Groundhog Day is over. Hope you all had a great one, and if not, there’s always next—”

She clicked off the clock radio and brushed away a tear. “But we don’t.”

“We don’t what, Flee?”

She didn’t answer. Emotion clogged her throat.

He moved closer and looked at the wine bottle she held. Touching her arm, he turned the bottle. The label read, “Stop Running Away, Cabernet.”

He pulled it gently from her hand and put it down. “You were drinking that? I bought it when you were parking your car and hid it. It’s my housewarming gift for you.”

Her words slurred slightly, “Yesh. Why not? It says to stop running away, but it has a twist cap like a gear shift. Encouraging just the opposite.” She pulled away slightly. “Vacation’s over tomorrow. It’s all over, Michael. You have work. I was just a diversion. Your rebound lover. I don’t have you to ‘love me so.’ What was I thinking? I can’t handle a one-night stand.”

Paige bit hard on her lip to keep from crying.

“Huh? Oh Flee, no. That’s not true.” He gingerly brushed back her hair. “No, not one night. We are two nights going on who knows how long.”

“And that’s better, how?”

“It’s better because we keep going,” he said, gently moving in close.

She pulled away abruptly and unsteadily. Slurred words flew out. “Do you have any idea how many times…we—” Paige’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Made love?” Her voice picked up in volume. “You’re just loving me and leaving me. Did you see the time? Midnight. You’re Michael now. No more Groundhog Man. You disappear. It sucks. It all sucks. Shouldn’t have feelings. Not supposed to happen. Not now.”

Michael was quiet.

Paige didn’t know what to make of his silent observation. She sat heavily on the bed and cried. “Michael, I just had a one-night stand in a hotel. What does that make me?”

“Shh, Flee.” He sat beside her on the bed and brushed a tear from her face. He tried to lighten her mood. “It’s a B and B.” She almost smiled, but her sob caught, so he continued, “There’s a big difference, one is more homey and friendly.” He gave a reassuring smile and tried nudge her out of her funk.

She stared at him.

His arm slid around her. “Technically, we had a two-night stand. You’re in the clear.” He pulled her close to him.

“Clear? I am clear as mud. Snowy, icy, muddled-up mud, clinging to a stranger who is my lover from who knows where. It dawned on me that you traveled here, to this area. That means you don’t live near here.”

“Neither do you,” Michael retorted.

“That’s the problem.”

“How’s that a problem? Look, we’ll figure all this out after we’ve had some rest.”

“Why are you so…so…self-assured?” She spat out the word as if it were suddenly a horrible quality. “And so calm, so…glib about this?” She pulled her arm away from his.

“Older, wiser?” He tried not to smile. “Less red-wine filled?”

She glared in response.

He tried again. “Because I got you, babe, and baby, you got me? Oh, Flee, c’mere. This isn’t what either of us expected, but…” He tilted up her chin and looked into her eyes again. “I want to work this out. I want to be with you.”

“I do, too. Just don’t know how. I have no idea where I’m going.” There. She said it. The real problem or, at least, another facet of it.

“Oh, Flee. Paige. Look, you’re heading to your aunt’s, your grandparents’ house, however you look at it. I am in the area for another month or two. Can we continue and see where this goes?”

She wanted to say yes, but she couldn’t control the skeptical twist of her frown.

“Flee, I want it to go somewhere, too.”

“For what? A month or six weeks like the others? Or are you going to be like your fiancée and transfer?”

“You know that isn’t fair, Paige. She was older and did a number on me. It wasn’t six weeks. You don’t know.”

She answered with a quiet chagrin to her voice, “No, I don’t. I’m sorry.” She turned and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight, crying on his shoulder, her thoughts mixing together.

“I’m feeling…well…scared and amazed and…oh, I’m so damn confused.” She suddenly stood and paced. “All of this is happening so fast. And I don’t swear. Daddy would have my head if he knew I f’ing swore.”

“I won’t tell.”

“Damn well better not.” She almost smiled.

“Hmm, you swore again.” He picked up her phone. “Look, this contact button says Home. Should I push it?”

“Give me that back,” she demanded.

He held it up high.

“Real mature, Groundhog Man,” she complained but was smiling, his playfulness infectious. She reached over head for her cell.

“Hello?” A voice came over the phone, surprising them both.

“Oh, Mom, hello.” Paige yanked the phone out of Michael’s hands and glared at him. He returned a cheesy grin. “No nothing wrong. Didn’t know it was late. Mmm hmm. Got stuck in a town in PA… Uh huh… Yes. Tomorrow if the roads are clear… Yes. Of course, I remembered to floss and eat veggies. No. A break up is no reason to stop taking care of my body. Uh huh. Take antacid if I eat something hot. You know me and liking a bit a flavor.”

By now, Groundhog Man was grinning and pointing to himself at the word flavor. She shooed him away, trying to dodge his passing tickle. She squeaked.

“What? Nope, I can’t say I miss Davis. Not one bit, surprisingly. Okay. Goodnight Mom. Oh Mom,” Paige paused and ended the call with, “I love you.” She reflexively turned, when, at that same moment, Michael stepped into view. She happened to be looking straight at him when she spoke the last words to her mother.

Her breath caught. She blanched at the implication that those words could have been directed to him. Had he heard her?

He gave no indication but moved to her and held her gingerly. Exhaustion won over her battle of emotions and wine drinking. She held onto him, easing her full weight against him. He rocked her gently, and his hand brushed down her hair. She relaxed to a sweet lull as he rubbed her back. They hugged for a while before he turned down the bedding. He tucked her into bed, climbed in next to her, and gave her whispers of kisses. It filled her with a heady haze. Not sexual but one of warmth and caring…contentment. Her breathing relaxed and deepened.

She was nearly asleep when Michael whispered, “I’m confused, too, you know. I’m supposed to be the mature one. And here I am, falling for you.” In a barely audible whisper, he said, “One day I want to hear you say those words to me.”

Somewhere in a half-waking dream, she absorbed the whispers from her lover. An incredible lover, in the dark night, in an elegant bed and breakfast, in a small, snowy city. Whispers of promised love.

Her mind replayed a mantra of the words, “Michael” and “meant to be.”